Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe

The Coziest Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe for Cold Days

Crafting a delightful creamy mushroom soup brings comfort to chilly evenings and warmth to your kitchen.

Seasonal mushrooms create a rich, velvety base that transforms simple ingredients into something magical.

Wild and cultivated varieties offer depth and complexity to this classic dish.

Earthy aromas will fill your home with an inviting fragrance that promises deliciousness.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate how simple techniques can yield extraordinary results.

Each spoonful carries memories of cozy moments and culinary tradition.

You’ll love how easily this recipe comes together with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Why Creamy Mushroom Soup Wins Hearts

  • Craft Comforting Magic: This mushroom soup transforms simple ingredients into a soul-warming dish that wraps you in delicious comfort with minimal cooking skills required.
  • Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping cream, adding different herbs, or experimenting with wine for unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Prepare large batches and store in the refrigerator or freezer, making it a perfect solution for busy weeks when you want a quick, nutritious meal without extensive cooking.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for vegetarian options, can be served as an appetizer or main course, and pairs wonderfully with bread, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients For Creamy Mushroom Soup

Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates a rich, flavorful foundation for the soup.
  • Olive Oil: Adds depth and helps prevent butter from burning.
  • Mushrooms: The star ingredient that provides earthy and robust flavor.
  • Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Provides the liquid base and enhances overall taste.
Aromatic Ingredients:
  • Onion, Garlic: Builds a deep, savory flavor profile for the soup.
  • Fresh or Dried Thyme: Adds a subtle herbal note to complement the mushrooms.
Creaminess and Thickening Ingredients:
  • Flour: Helps thicken the soup and create a smooth texture.
  • Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: Adds richness and creates a luxurious, creamy consistency.
Optional Flavor Enhancers:
  • White Wine or Sherry: Provides an extra layer of complexity to the soup.
  • Soy Sauce or Miso Paste: Introduces additional depth and umami flavor.
Garnish Ingredients:
  • Fresh Parsley, Grated Parmesan: Adds a fresh finish and extra flavor to the soup.

Step-By-Step Creamy Mushroom Soup Instructions

Step 1: Kickstart The Flavor Base

Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium temperature.

Toss in diced onions and sauté until they become soft and see-through.

Add minced garlic and thyme, stirring for a couple minutes until the kitchen fills with an aromatic scent.

Step 2: Mushroom Magic

Slide sliced mushrooms into the pot.

Let them dance and release their moisture while cooking.

Stir occasionally and watch them transform into golden-brown beauties.

Optional: Splash some white wine or sherry to deglaze the pot, capturing those delicious caramelized bits.

Step 3: Thicken The Goodness

Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and mix thoroughly.

Cook briefly to eliminate the raw flour taste, which helps create a rich, smooth texture.

Step 4: Broth Building

Pour vegetable or chicken broth into the pot.

Allow the soup to simmer gently, letting flavors meld and develop for 10-15 minutes.

Step 5: Creamy Transformation

Blend the soup using an immersion blender directly in the pot.

For texture variation, leave some mushroom chunks.

Alternatively, transfer to a standard blender in batches.

Step 6: Cream And Season

Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half.

Cook for a few minutes until heated through.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 7: Serving Spectacular

Ladle soup into bowls.

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top.

Serve alongside crusty bread or with grated Parmesan.

Step 8: Flavor Boosters

Enhance depth by adding:
  • Soy sauce
  • Miso paste
  • Umami-rich seasonings

Step 9: Flexible Options

Alternative milk options:
  • Whole milk
  • Coconut milk

Step 10: Storage Secrets

Store in refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze up to 3 months.

Cool completely before storing.

Tips For Creamy Mushroom Soup

  • Add dried porcini mushrooms soaked in hot water for intense, rich umami taste before blending into the soup.
  • Blend soup in batches for ultra-creamy consistency, leaving some mushroom chunks for rustic texture and visual appeal.
  • Adjust broth quantity or add flour gradually to achieve desired soup density without making it too heavy or thin.
  • Stir in cooked shredded chicken or crumbled crispy bacon for added protein and complementary flavors.
  • Replace dairy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for vegan and lactose-free version without compromising rich, creamy texture.

Flavor Enhancements For Creamy Mushroom Soup

  • Vegan Mushroom Soup: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use vegetable broth and swap butter for olive oil or vegan butter alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Mushroom Soup: Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening. Ensure broth is gluten-free and check all ingredient labels carefully.
  • Low-Carb Mushroom Soup: Substitute flour with almond flour or skip thickener. Use bone broth for extra protein and replace cream with full-fat coconut cream.
  • Protein-Packed Mushroom Soup: Add cooked chicken or tofu cubes to the soup. Include white beans or lentils for additional protein boost and nutritional value.

Pairing Suggestions For Creamy Mushroom Soup

  • Rustic Bread Companion: Serve alongside warm, crusty sourdough or baguette slices to soak up the rich, creamy broth. Perfect for dipping and adding a delightful crunch.
  • Elegant Cheese Topping: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or crumbled goat cheese on top for an extra layer of tangy flavor and luxurious texture.
  • Herbal Garnish Burst: Finish with a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley, chives, or thyme to add brightness and a pop of color to the creamy soup.
  • Protein Power-Up: Top with crispy bacon bits, shredded rotisserie chicken, or sautéed shrimp to transform this soup into a more substantial meal that satisfies hearty appetites.

Proper Storage For Creamy Mushroom Soup

  • Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and seal tightly. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Place in the coldest section of your fridge to maintain optimal flavor and quality.
  • Pour completely cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave about an inch of space for expansion. Freeze flat for easy stacking. Remains delicious for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw frozen soup in refrigerator overnight. Pour into a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and warm gradually to prevent separation. Add a splash of broth or water if soup seems too thick.

FAQs

  • What type of mushrooms work best for this soup?

Cremini, shiitake, or white button mushrooms are excellent choices. They provide rich flavor and great texture. You can also mix different mushroom varieties for a more complex taste.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The recipe is easily adaptable for vegetarian diets without compromising flavor.

  • How can I enhance the mushroom flavor?

Add a splash of soy sauce or miso paste during cooking. These ingredients boost the umami and deepen the overall mushroom taste profile.

  • Is this soup gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickener, and ensure your broth is gluten-free. This will make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

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Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe

Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty Creamy Mushroom Soup promises comfort in each spoonful, blending earthy woodland flavors with silky smoothness. Forest-fresh mushrooms and rich cream invite you to savor a warm culinary embrace that feels like a gentle hug from nature.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (454 grams) mushrooms (such as cremini, button, or portobello, sliced)
  • 4 cups (960 milliliters) vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 1 small onion (diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Fat and Thickening Agents:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon (15 grams) all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
  • Optional: a splash of white wine or sherry

Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium temperature, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
  2. Sauté diced onions until translucent, then introduce minced garlic and thyme, allowing aromatics to release their fragrant essence for 1-2 minutes.
  3. Incorporate sliced mushrooms, cooking for 8-10 minutes until they caramelize and release their natural moisture, developing rich, deep flavors.
  4. Optional: Deglaze the pot with white wine or sherry, scraping up the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  5. Dust flour over the mushroom mixture, stirring thoroughly to eliminate raw flour taste and create a subtle thickening agent for the soup.
  6. Pour in vegetable or chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer for 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors and slightly reduce the liquid.
  7. Transform the soup’s texture using an immersion blender or carefully transfer to a standard blender, creating a smooth consistency while maintaining some mushroom chunks for rustic appeal.
  8. Introduce heavy cream, stirring and heating for 3-5 minutes until the soup reaches a luxurious, velvety temperature.
  9. Season with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting to achieve perfect flavor balance.
  10. For enhanced depth, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of miso paste to amplify the umami profile.
  11. Serve piping hot, garnished with fresh parsley and accompanied by crusty bread or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
  12. Store leftovers in an airtight container, refrigerating for 3-4 days or freezing up to 3 months for future enjoyment.

Notes

  • Enhance mushroom flavor by using a mix of wild and cultivated mushrooms like shiitake, cremini, and oyster for complex taste profiles.
  • Deepen umami notes by sautéing mushrooms at high heat to develop rich caramelization and intensify natural earthy characteristics.
  • Create dairy-free version by replacing heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, maintaining silky texture while accommodating dietary restrictions.
  • Elevate presentation and nutrition by garnishing with toasted pumpkin seeds, crispy sage leaves, or a drizzle of truffle oil for gourmet touch.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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